Well-known Westbrook resident Ellie Conant Saunders, 94, died Saturday morning at her Conant Street home. She was born in the same home in 1920.
Saunders was the wife of the late Westbrook mayor, Donald Saunders, and her ancestors were known to be among the first permanent settlers in Westbrook. Brothers Joseph and Samuel Conant are credited with operating Westbrook’s first saw and grist mills.
Saunders was heavily involved in the community, and was the founder and one-time director of the Westbrook Historical Society. She also maintained a large private collection of historical items at her home.
She was honored as the grand marshal of the Westbrook Together Days Parade in 2007.
According to an obituary posted by Blais & Hay Funeral Home, private services will be held, with interment in the Conant Burying Grounds. Saunders had just recently arranged to have the city take over care of the historic cemetery, which will be open to the public.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Online condolences can be expressed at www.blaisandhayfuneralhome.com.
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